Danube River Cruise

Europe’s second-longest river Danube originates from Germany’s Black Forest region and flows through many countries such as Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania before meeting the Black Sea.

The river has been used for transportation for many centuries. In the last few decades, we have seen the emergence and popularity of river cruising holidays. Today, there are many cruise ships that will take you cruising over the Danube. It’s an unique way of traveling through some of the most picturesque parts of Europe. You can relax on deck and see the country changing along the way. There are shore excursions and day trips you can go on. It is certainly a thrilling experience for somebody who wants to see Europe and understand the lives of people living here, particularly on the banks.

Incidentally, the river cruise ships that ply on the Danube now are nothing short of floating five star luxury resorts. So you can expect complete luxury on board. Of course, there are cheaper alternatives too.

For visitors to Europe (either starting or ending the trip) a Vienna to Budapest 3-night/4-day Danube cruise could be perfect. Here is a typical itinerary you could try.

Day 1 – Embarkation and reception on board the ship.

Day 2 – Arrival at the romantic Waachau Valley. Go on a guided tour that covers the famed Benedictine Abbey. Towards evening when the ship sets sail again, you can lounge on the ship’s Sky Deck with a glass of white wine and enjoy the scenery.

Day 3 – Arrival at Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Try a tour to the old town, which is situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.

Day 4 – Arrival at Budapest and disembarkation. Hire a local guide for visiting the famous bridge/bridges that connect the old Buda on the right bank of the river with Pest on the left.

All meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as also snacks, tea/coffee is served complimentary on board the ship. Plus, you will also get the best quality wines produced by the finest wine makers of Europe. It is served with dinner every night to the passengers.

Of course, there are bigger itineraries as well that takes you all the way through the Danube. You can try these longer Danube cruises as well.